Alfalfa: Protection, Money, Happiness, Grounding, Fertility

Alfalfa: protection, money, happiness, grounding, fertility

Anise: dreams, youth, lust, blessing, cleansing, divination, offerings, protection, spirit protection

Allspice: energy, money, luck, healing

Aspen: protection, healing, performing arts, spirit work

Aloe: femininity, healing, protection, beauty, love

Basil: protection, grounding, happiness, peace, money, love, luck

Bay Leaf: wishes, dreams, psychic ability, cleansing, healing, curse breaking, banishing

Catmint: healing, animal magic, relaxation, calmness, happiness, psychic ability, love, wishes, meditation

Clove: healing, prosperity, friendships, money 

Clover: money, prosperity, luck, happiness, spirit work, fae, protection, healing

Chamomile: calmness, money, love, peace, cleansing, love, meditation

Chives: protection, balance, divination

Coriander/Cilantro: love, protection, divination, fertility, psychic ability, peace

Cinnamon: safety, calmness, love, happiness, money, blessing, protection, healing

Cardamom: femininity, love, charm, performing arts, relaxation, calmness

Cumin: protection, love, fertility, banishing

Cayenne: strength, curses, protection, heartbreak, curse breaking, love

Dandelion: wishes, dreams, psychic ability, lunar magic

Dill: dreams, money, protection, luck, love

Eucalyptus: energy, healing, cleansing, protection

Elderberry: healing, protection, blessing, banishing, cursing, cleansing

Fennel: divination, concentration, energy, meditation, fertility, confidence

Ginseng: love, fertility, beauty, healing, strength

Ginger: energy, speeding things along, passion, travel, healing

Garlic: healing, curses, curse breaking, lunar magic, protection, energy, protection, luck

Holly: dreams, luck, banishing, spirit work, protection, beauty

Juniper: cleansing, fertility, curse breaking, psychic ability, protection

Lavender: calmness, cleansing, love, happiness, fertility

Lemon Balm: cleansing, confidence, overcoming challenges, relaxation

Lemongrass: psychic ability, divination, cleansing, communication, protection, love, luck, jobs

Magnolia: love, fertility, meditation, psychic ability, healing, strength

Mint: communication, energy, money, spirit work, cleansing

Marjoram: protection, happiness, banishing, cleansing

Marigold: love, protection, peace, femininity, comfort

Mugwort: healing, divination, astral projection, dreams, psychic ability, cleansing, protection

Nettle: spirit work, protection, curse breaking

Nutmeg: luck, travel, love, meditation, psychic ability, money

Olive leaf: healing, luck, protection, cleansing, fertility, offerings, blessings

Oregano: happiness, peace, luck, protection, healing, general health, letting go of the past

Peppermint: healing, cleansing, sleep, love, money

Parsley: protection, communication, spirit work, passion

Paprika: spell work, energy, psychic ability, curses, creativity

Pepper (Black): curses, curse breaking, banishing, spirit work, jealousy, absorption of negativity

Raspberry leaf: fertility, femininity, menstrual cycle, lunar magic, love, creativity, protection

Rosemary: cleansing, curse breaking, blessing, healing, fertility, psychic ability, past lives, dreams, marriage

Rose: love, fertility, femininity, protection, marriage, self love

Sage: cleansing, protection, spirit work, smoke cleansing, wisdom, wishes, funerals

Saffron: healing, offerings, wealth, strength, blessing, cleansing, psychic ability, sleep

Spirulina: power, strength, health, luck

St. John’s Wort: cleansing, blessing, offerings, spirit work

Thyme: dreams, sleep, strength, confidence, leaving the past behind you, moving forward, health, healing, fae

Tarragon: luck, calmness, secrets, peace, love, protection, meditation, spirit work

Valerian: spirit work, absorption of negativity, protection, self acceptance

Wheatgrass: cleansing, protection, blessing

Ylang Ylang: beauty, love, luck, happiness, relationships

Yarrow: love, divination, dreams, psychic ability, marriage, courage, communication, focus

Not all of these herbs are edible or safe in some/all circumstances, please do research before eating/using any of the plants listed here!

Faeries

How to tell if a faerie is near by:

Feeling a warm tingles across your skin.

Things go missing and then reappear somewhere else in your home. 

You see things out of the corner of your eyes.

Finding yourself participating in child like activities like skipping or swinging on a swing set.  

You come across random floral scented breezes. 

You make a habit of bringing nature inside. 

You find yourself admiring insects and when you find one in your home you set it free instead of squishing it. 

You find yourself stumbling over faerie circles. 

You are followed by a crow or raven.

You hear mysterious giggling. 

You find large patches of four-leaf clovers.

Offerings for the fae:

Milk and Honey

Anything small and shiny

Rings

Beads

Rocks

Crystals

Cream

Sweets

Cakes and Cookies.

Clean water

Some Favorite Faerie Rocks:

Tigers eyes

Peridot

Jade

Volcanic Rock

Fluorite

Emerald

Plants that attract faeries:

Common yarrow

New York aster

Shasta daisy 

Western giant hyssop or horsemint 

French lavender

Rosemary

Thyme

Fountain butterfly bush

Orange-eye butterfly bush 

Summer lilac

Shrubby cinquefoil

Common garden petunia

Verbenas

Pincushion flowers

Cosmos 

Common zinnia

Foxgloves

Pansies

Clover

Toadstools

Bluebells

Rowan

Oak

Alder

Willow

Birch 

Apple trees

Sources: earthenergyhealing.com, mysticfamiliar.com, and earthwitchery.com. 

==Moonlight Mystics==

Familiars

What is a familiar? A familiar is an animal whom you have a spiritual connection with. A witches companion. You call upon them to help you with your practices. They can be physical or spiritual beings. They are healers and guardians but above all, a loyal companion. Provides the witch with psychic protection as well as negative energy. They do not have to be your ‘pet,’ any animal that you use symbols of can also be your familiar but on a more spiritual level. Animals are chosen as a familiar because of their connection with nature and innocence. They protect on many spiritual levels as well as the home and property of the witch. They become able to communicate together in dreams and during meditation.     

History of Familiars In Europe during the witch hunts familiars were thought of at demon like entities sent to do a witches bidding. It was believed that they were cats, dogs, and toads possessed by demons. Thus, during the witch hunt era many animals were hunted and slaughtered because of their connection with witches. Familiars were supposedly given to the Witches from by the Devil. It was believed that they were fed from the witches blood.

In some Scandinavian countries familiars were thought of as fearies, elves, pixies, dwarves, sprites, and elements of nature.

In shamanistic practices the familiar is in fact not a physical being rather it is a spiritual entity. It protects in the astral plane and from any psychic attacks.

In England and Scotland familiars took form of toads.

Familiar Misconceptions:

Not every witch has a familiar. In fact some are quite happy working alone. Some witches may even be allergic.

Cats are not the only animal used as a familiar.

No familiars are not possessed by demons or the devil.

Not all pets are familiars!

Types of animals to used as familiars: 

Any animal can be used as a familiar! The most common are cats (especially black) and dogs.

How you know it is your familiar and not just a pet:

It chose you.

You have a bond on a spiritual level.

You put more trust in it then anyone/anything else.

Takes an active role in your rituals.

Sits politely while you are casting being sure not to be a bother.

Loves to lounge in your magick work space.

You feel a boost of energy whenever they are near you.

Watches the window constantly watching for any unwelcome beings. 

Trails you like a shadow.

Hates to be separated from you

How to find your Familiar:

Cast a spell to bring clarity on your familiar.

Meditate on it.

Ask a form of divination about finding you familiar.

Ways to bond with your Familiar:

Provide it with a collar, halter, leash, etc that has protective crystals and herb sachets sewn into it. 

Carry a piece of a NATURALLY shed item from your familiar in a sachet or tied together with ribbon.

Provide them with the best food and housing you can afford.

Always place them before yourself.

Spend lots of time together.

Provide them with their own protection.

Speak to it.

Brush or stoke it. 

Treat them and reward them for their help.

Treat them with the kindness they deserve.

Honor them.

Provide them with an altar.

Give them offerings.

Familiar uses: 

Provide you with physical and spiritual protection.

Provide you the uttermost loyalty and respect

Benefits your emotional well being.

 Helps you connect with nature.

Enhances are physical and psychic abilities.

Protects home and property.

When to work with a Familiar:

When you want to attune with nature

Meditation

Healing magick

Dreamwork

Astral travelling 

Divination

Scrying

Spirit communication

Welcome them to join you when power is being raised and spells are cast. 

Respect a Familiar deserves:

Let it accompany you on its own accord and make sure it is willing to participate, NEVER force them to join in on a ritual. They are very sensitive to psychic power and vibrations. Treat them with kindness and the same respect you would give to a human being. Be sure to treat them as an equal and not something you own. This is very important if you want to create and maintain a connection with your familiar. Familiars are living beings and should never be treated like an athame, candle or an object for spell casting. Make sure to be cautious with the type of tools you are using during your casting with a familiar. Be cautious of candles or any toxic herbs!   

Names for familiars:

Instead of you choosing a name for them, ask them what their true name is.

References: Paganwiccan.about.com, pagancentric.org

What type of Familiar do you have?

I have a horse and a cat as my familiar! 

May the moon light your path!

☾ Moonlight Academy☽  

References: Paganwiccan.about.com, pagancentric.org

Day 215: Tincturing Workshop

I’m leading a tincturing workshop this Sunday, so I thought it might be nice to share the packet I’m going to be handing out. It includes some tips on alcohol and vinegar tincturing, as well as recipes and some local Ozark yarbs to work into your herbal preparations. Enjoy!

Recipe Sheet – Tincturing Workshop

Brandon Weston ozarkhealing.com facebook.com/MountainManHealing [email protected]

Alcohol Tinctures

Fresh Herb:

Finely chop or grind clean herb to release juice and expose surface area.

Fill jar 2/3 to ¾ with herb. ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to ½ with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Jar should appear full of herb, but herb should move freely when shaken.

Dried Herb:

Use finely cut herbal material.

Fill jar ½ to ¾ with herb ~ OR ~ Fill jar ¼ to 1/3 with roots.

Pour alcohol over the herbs.

Roots will expand by ½ their size when reconstituted!

Alcohol Percentages*

40% – 50% (80-90 proof vodka)

“Standard” percentage range for tinctures.

Good for most dried herbs and fresh herbs that are not juicy.

Good for extraction of water soluble properties.

67.5% – 70% (½ 80 proof vodka + ½ 190 proof grain alcohol)

Extracts most volatile aromatic properties.

Good for fresh high-moisture herbs like lemon balm, berries, and aromatic roots.

The higher alcohol percentage will draw out more of the plant juices.

85% – 95% (190 proof grain alcohol)

Good for gums and resins.

Extracts aromatics and essential oils that are bound in the plant and do not dissipate easily.

The alcohol strength can produce a tincture that is not quite pleasant to take.

Often used for drop dosage medicines.

Will totally dehydrate herbs.

*information comes from the Mountain Rose Herbs blog

Macerating

Maceration is the process by which the active chemical compounds are leached into the solvent solution. This is usually done by shaking the jar that contains the alcohol or vinegar and the herbal plant matter. 

Alcohol tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least 2-3 weeks depending upon the ABV. The higher the ABV the less maceration time is needed.

Vinegar tinctures need to be left to macerate for at least a month before straining and bottling.

Easy Alcohol Tincture Recipes

Sarsaparilla Tincture: Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic (do not take if you have kidney problems)

Sarsaparilla root

Vodka

Wild Cherry Tincture: Antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative

Wild cherry bark

Vodka

Herbal Bitters (simplified): Tonic, diaphoretic, colds, flu, febrifuge, chills (contains thujone, may cause drowsiness)

1 quart jar

¼ c. thyme

¼ c. oregano (or dittany)

¼ c. chopped fresh ginger

¼ c. hyssop

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp. cloves

Vodka

Stomach Bitters (simplified): Stomach issues, cramps, urinary issues, digestive issues

1 quart jar

4 tbsp dried dandelion root

2 tbsp fennel seed

2 tbsp fresh ginger

2 tbsp dried peppermint leaves (or mountain mint)

Vodka

Vinegar Tinctures

Measurements and instructions are the same as with the alcohol tinctures at the beginning of the packet. Remember: vinegar tinctures need to be left longer to macerate, at least a month.

Easy Vinegar Tincture Recipes

Fire Tonic: Colds, flu, chills, general tonic

1 32 oz. bottle apple cider vinegar. I like to use unfiltered, it seems to taste better and it’s easier on the stomach.

5-10 cloves of garlic, crushed

3-5 hot peppers, as hot as you can stand

1 3 inch knob of ginger, crushed

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

¼ c. chopped mullein

¼ c. chopped rosemary

¼ c. chopped thyme

¼ c. crushed star anise or green sweetgum balls (sources for shikimic acid which helps fight the flu virus)

Take all of this and combine it in large mason jar, all the herbs and vegetables are going to take up a lot of room. Let this stand in a dark place for about two months. Shake everyday. After it’s finished macerating strain off the liquid, add about a half cup honey, bottle.

Alternate Ozark yarbs to use: Dittany, Self-heal, Plantain, Horsemint

Vinegar Oxymels

Also called “sipping vinegars” these mixtures are basic vinegar tinctures sweetened and thickened with honey to make them more palatable.

Basic Oxymel:

1 part herb : 3 parts honey and apple cider vinegar  

Quart mason jars: fill up ¼ jar with herb, ¼ with honey, then the rest with vinegar. Macerate for a few weeks.

Easy Oxymel Recipes

Colds and Immune System Oxymel:

1 part elderberries

1 part ginger root (dried)

Another for Colds with Cough Oxymel:

1 part Mullein

1 part Horehound

Stomach Complaints Oxymel:

2 parts ginger

1 part peppermint

1 part fennel seed

Sinus Congestion Oxymel:

2 parts garlic

1 part cayenne pepper

1 part thyme

1 part rosemary

Beginners Ozark Medicinal Plants

Caution should always be taken when looking for medicinal plants out in the wild. Do not consume or use any plant that you are unsure about. The internet is a wonderful resource for plant identification. Look up photos and identification information for plants from reputable sources before collecting any plant out in the wild. NOTE also that many Ozark medicinal plants are endangered and should not be harvested out in the wild.

When wild-harvesting take only what you need at that time. DO NOT STOCKPILE! Chances are the plants will go bad before you can use them. A good rule of thumb for any plant is to count three plants then take one, that way there are plants left behind to go to seed. Leave the roots intact unless the root is being harvested, then try and leave a piece of the root or any seeds/berries behind in the soil.

Responsible harvesting means these medicinal plants will be around for many more generations.  

I’m not including photos of plants on purpose! I want folks to go look up the plants and find as many identifying photos and identifying information as they can. Do the work! Google is an amazing resource for plant identification.

+ means the plant is not native but is common in the Ozarks

Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta: Flowers, roots:

Root infusion used for dermatological needs. Used to wash snakebites. Decoction of whole plant taken to aid with heart disease. Decoction of root taken for colds and chills. Cold infusion of flowers taken for headache and as a febrifuge. Similar properties to other coneflowers (Purple coneflower, Missouri coneflower, etc.) Some say the active compounds are not water soluble. Better used as a tincture or extract.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Cinquefoil, Five Finger Grass, Potentilla simplex: Leaves, root:

Leaves taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Root astringent, infusion taken for dysentery, diarrhea, and as a mouthwash for sores and thrush.

+Cleavers, Galium aparine: Leaves:

Strong infusion as laxative. Externally as a dermatological aid. Has been linked to aiding with lowering blood pressure.

*** Cautions: Laxative ***

Common Dittany, Cunila origanoides: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Related to Oregano and Marjoram and can be used in similar ways. As an infusion it’s good for colds and to help open up the sinuses. Boiled strong it helps the body sweat and can aid in lowering fevers. Infusion used to help aid a painful birth. Used as a stimulant and tonic. Contains trace amounts of thujone, an active chemical also found in wormwood, mugwort, and yarrow, and may cause drowsiness or headaches. Use only in small amounts and with caution.

*** Cautions: Contains trace amounts of thujone ***

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis: Berries, flowers, leaves, bark:

Berries used in formulas against chills and cold. Helps support the immune system. Infusion of berry used internally for rheumatism. Flower infusion used as a febrifuge and to sweat out a cold. Leaf infusion used to wash sores and prevent infection. Bark poultice used on sores, wounds, rashes, and other dermatological needs.

*** Cautions: Berries mildly toxic when unripe, foliage toxic in large quantities ***

Goldenrod, Solidago: Leaves, Flowers:

There are many different varieties of goldenrods, all of which have very similar medicinal uses. Topically the plant has traditionally been used in salves to help with sore muscles and arthritis. Internally it has traditionally been used as a diuretic to help bladder and kidney issues and to help break up “stones”. It is also a good diaphoretic that can help reduce a fever, and an astringent that can aid in remedying diarrhea. The flowers also make a wonderful yellow dye.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family, may cause skin irritation ***

Horsemint, Monarda bradburiana: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for colds, chills, as a febrifuge, and for bowel complaints. Can be used externally in oils and salves for dermatological needs. Used in many of the same ways as Monarda fistulosa.

Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis: Leaves, stems, flowers:

Sap produced by the leaves and stems used for poison ivy, rashes, burns, and other dermatological needs. Cold infusion of leaves as a febrifuge. Infusion whole plant taken internally for stomach cramps.

*** Cautions: Seeds toxic ***

+Mullein, Verbascum thapsus: Leaves, flowers, root:

Leaves and flowers can be used to clear chest congestion (smoked or as an infusion), as an analgesic for rashes, aches and pains. Leaves can be wilted and used in poultices for swollen glands. Roots can be used in decoctions for gynecological issues.

+Plantain, Plantago major “Broadleaf Plantain” or Plantago lanceolata “Ribwort Plantain”: Leaves, roots, flowers:

Leaves used in poultices for bug bites, inflammations, rashes, cuts, bruises, stings, and other skin complaints. Whole plant infusions for colds, fever, upper respiratory complaints, rheumatism, hypertension, regulating blood sugar, bladder problems, kidney problems. Root used as a gentle expectorant and in helping sinus issues. “Snake Weed” because of the belief that the plant can help draw venom out of a snakebite. It was also thought that a person could carry the plant to help ward off snakes.

Self-Heal, All Heal, Prunella vulgaris: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion is an analgesic used to wash sores, wounds, and used in salves for many dermatological needs. Used to flavor other medicines. Infusion used as a febrifuge and against colds. Used for sore throats. Mild sedative. Helps with stomach and bowel complaints. Antidiarrheal. Respiratory aid.

Spicebush, Lindera benzoin: Leaves, Bark:

The red berries of the spicebush have long been used as a substitute for cinnamon or allspice in mountain recipes. The leaves can be made into a pleasant infusion for colds and headaches while the bark can be brewed strong for fevers and chills. The leaves can also be used topically for skin irritations, rashes, and bites. 

Sumac, Rhus glabra “Smooth Sumac” or Rhus typhina “Staghorn Sumac”: Berries, Leaves, Bark:

The berries are used in a tasty beverage I’ve heard called “sumacade”. It’s lemony taste is quite pleasant, and the drink is high in vitamin C. The berries and bark are astringent and can be used as an effective gargle for a cough or mouth sores. A decoction of the bark can also be taken internally for diarrhea. In the Fall the red leaves can be dried and smoked to induce dreaming.

Sweet Everlasting, Rabbit Tobacco, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium/Gnaphalium obtusifolium: Leaves, flowers:

Decoction whole plant used as a sedative and to aid sleeping. Analgesic for sores, pains, aches, wounds, and many other dermatological needs. Antirheumatic (internal). Decoction for colds and chills. Smoked and used in infusions to clear chest congestion. Chewed for sore mouth and throat. Used in sweat baths against many illnesses. NOTE harvest leaves in the Fall when they start to turn brown.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Sweetgum tree, Liquidambar styraciflua: Leaves, bark, gum, balls:

Leaves can be used in poultices for several dermatological issues, cuts, and bruises. Gum and inner bark used for diarrhea and flux. Infusion of bark taken for “flooding” (gynecological). Infusion of bark given as a sedative. Sweetgum balls, when green in the Spring before seeds have formed can be soaked in alcohol then given for colds and the flu (antiviral, antibacterial due to contained shikimic acid).

White-Leafed Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum albescens: Leaves, Flowers, Stems:

As an infusion, can be used to help treat headaches, stomach complaints, and colds. Brewed strong it can help to reduce fevers.

Wild Bergamot, Beebalm, Monarda fistulosa: Leaves, flowers:

Infusion used for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Carminative for stomach complaints. Diaphoretic, febrifuge, and diuretic. Mild sedative. Abortifacient, so caution should be taken. Externally an analgesic used in poultices for pains, aches, cuts, and rashes.

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) and American Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana: Leaves, bark:

Leaves and bark astringent used externally as a skin toner and for many dermatological issues. Infusion taken for colds and as a febrifuge. Antirheumatic. Decoction of bark taken as an emetic.

*** Cautions: Bark emetic***

+Yarrow, Achillea millefolium: Flowers, leaves:

Leaves astringent, used in bowel complaints and with dermatological needs. Foliage infusion used for colds, as a febrifuge, upset stomach, and as a mild sedative. Leaves can be smoked to loosen phlegm and clear chest congestion.

*** Cautions: Asteraceae family ***

Masterpost of Luck Spells ☘️

Spell List:

🍀 “Lucky Waters” Bath Spell

🍀 Luck and Money Powder

🍀 “felix felis” Drink

🍀 Vodka Luck Spell

🍀 Luck Spell Jar

🍀 The Ultimate Luck Spell Bottle

🍀 Ending Bad Luck Spell

🍀 Simple Lucky Penny Enchantment

🍀 Simple Luck Spell

🍀 Luck and Fortune Spell Jar

🍀 Prosperity and Luck Salt

🍀 A Spell for Good Luck

🍀 Lucky Tea

🍀 Luck Spell

Herb Correspondences:

allspice

angelica

cinnamon

clover

frankincense

holly

ivy

myrrh

nutmeg

olive

orange peel

rosehips

rosemary

sandalwood

thyme

Love Salt recipe

this salt mix is for love, self love or opening your heart. it can be used in spells and such.  i like to add it to my baths when i feel down, and let its soothing warm energizes envelope me, until i am no longer sad.

Supplies needed:

5 parts Pink Himalayan Salt

1 part Lavender

1 part Rose petals

1 part Rosemary

1 part Peppermint

mortar and pestle

jar for storing 

Once you assemble all Your ingredients, Mix them together in your mortar and pestle. While Feeling their energizes, pouring your power into them and visualizing your magickal goal blend and grind the herbs until you feel that they are ready. once done add them to a jar and label it. i personally like to charge it under a full moon before use.